Govt orders three missionary workers in Islamabad to leave the country

The government on Tuesday announced that all international aid groups operating in the country must re-register themselves with authorities within three months as part of a wider crackdown that has involved sealing the offices of Save the Children.

The decision, which will require the groups to undergo a fresh assessment by intelligence agencies before they are given the green light to remain in Pakistan, was taken during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his office said in a statement.

According to reports, the Islamabad administration has informed Convent Schools in sectors F-8 and H-8 that visas of three Filipino missionary workers have been cancelled and they should leave the country within 15 days.

It happened after allegations of sexual assault on a boy, 6, were leveled at a peon who worked at a convent school in sector F-8.

Pakistan has toughened its policies towards international aid groups in recent years, accusing them of covering for spying operations.